How to maximize space in this basement?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Looking to add three bedrooms in the basement, one washroom (shower, toilet, sink), a small living area, and a small kitchen. Kitchen will just be an oven, a microwave and a sink + small counter top and one small cabinet on top of it maybe. This can be a very small kitchen.

Info:

A- This is a lowered back split on main floor (Family Room & Study room).

B- It has a 2nd floor on top of backsplit (~10 stairs to go up) on the main floor for bedrooms (called 2nd floor or higher backsplit?).

Because of the lowered backsplit, a great area in the basement is unusable (Utility and Storage area) due to lowered ceiling. Storage area is very low but Utility area is not so low but still can't walk up right.

I am looking for ideas on:

1- If I underpin the Utility or Storage area to give height, would it be a good decision given this is an almost 60 year old house. Any structural issues can appear? Is this usually done on a 60 year old house or not worth it / risk a lot?

2- If I don't underpin, how to use the Laundry room area (not built), and Recreation Room (built) to make three bedrooms for rent + kitchen and bathroom. Video here that shows unbuilt Laundry room area and built Recreation room: https://imgur.com/a/AKSln6k

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Comments (8)

jck910
3 years ago
where is the egress? bedrooms need windows. why 3 bedrooms? kitchen is too for a 3-bedroom rental
PRO
JAN MOYER
3 years ago
In a word? ABsurd. Another? IM possible.
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Kendrah
3 years ago
Why would somebody rent a three bedroom unit with only a kitchenette that has one cabinet? Those in need of three bedrooms are usually multiple people households who want more than a kitchenette and a cramped tiny bathroom. Also, bedrooms need to have egress and I don't see how yours will.

What area of the country do you live in? How much would you rent a 3 bedroom for and how long would it take to recoup your construction costs? I'd consider making this a very nice 1 bedroom with a real kitchen, decent bathroom, and living dining space. You need to figure out whether those windows are ok for a bedroom egress.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
Waht is the reason for the kitchen at all? Every bedroom needs an egress window to be counted as a bedroom and if this is planned to be arental you cannot rent as a 3 BR unit with no egress . I need more info for sure and how on earth does a worker service any of the other elements when they cannot stand up. For sure we need info and you need to figure out what exactly you are planning for the space .
apple_pie_order
3 years ago
Have you already checked into the firewall separations and egress required for basement rentals in your area? If you are in Toronto, the official info could be online.
seosmp
3 years ago
Side topic - may I ask where you got that rug? I am looking for a new rug for my living room and that looks perfect. Thx!
toronto bbb
Original Author
3 years ago
Anyone has experience with underpinning older house?
toronto bbb
Original Author
3 years ago
I should have said, is it a safe job to underpin 60 years old home? Or underpinning are for newer properties?